Frequently Asked Questions

What are the undergraduate pre-requisite courses at SMU?

The undergraduate pre-requisite courses offered at Samuel Merritt University include Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Anatomy and Physiology. These courses are considered prerequisite courses and therefore do not require applicants to submit transcripts from other institutions to SMU.

Who can register for Basic Science courses at SMU?

Anyone who is interested in taking the available courses offered can apply and be registered for these courses. Please note that in almost all cases students who apply will be registered in the courses selected on their application.

Are these classes online or in person?

Pharmacology and Pathophysiology are available online only through the Canvas student portal. More information about Canvas is available once an application has been submitted and the individual has been registered in the course(s).

Anatomy and Physiology are in person courses held on the Oakland campus. All on campus meetings are mandatory.

How many courses can I be registered in each semester?

It is up to the applicant to decide how many courses they want to take in any given semester. However, it is advised that applicants consider the workload they can personally manage during a semester.

Please note that in almost all cases students who apply will be registered in the courses selected on their application.

I’ve submitted my application for the course(s) I wish to take. Now what?

You will receive a confirmation email from the SMU Office of Admission confirming that we have received your application. Please make sure to check the email account that you used when you submitted your application.

Once we receive your application, you will be registered for the course(s) you selected. You will receive a second email message confirming your registration and which also includes instructions for preparing for your upcoming course(s). The registration process usually occurs 2-3 weeks after you submitted your application.

I submitted my application but have decided to no longer continue with the course. What do I do?

Once you have received confirmation via email that you were registered for the course(s) you selected on your application, please use the provided link in that email to formally withdraw from the course(s). You can also use our petition to drop courses. If you require further assistance with this process, you can also contact the Registrar’s Office for help.

How much does each course cost?

Tuition for undergraduate pre-requisite courses is listed on the SMU Tuition Page. These amounts do not include the cost of course materials (i.e., books).

Important Note about Financial Aid: because these courses are taken outside of a degree granting program, financial aid is not available to assist in covering the costs of tuition. All applicants must assume the responsibility for the cost of each course.

Can I receive financial aid to cover the cost of the courses?

No. Because these courses are taken outside of a degree granting program, financial aid is not available to assist in covering the costs of tuition. All applicants must assume the responsibility for the cost of each course.